I have to ask... (Raleigh: relocate, transplants, apartment)

[stephz1008]

Okay, hopefully this thread doesn't get me labled as a troublemaker, but here goes...

My family and I have made several trips to the Raleigh area, and are currently in the house buying process. In our experience we have come across those that are welcoming us to the area with open arms and those who turn up their noses and complain about transplants hurting the economy and as a result, their lifestyle.

For the most part when asking, those who welcome with open arms are the true Tarheels... born and raised in the area or originally from the area and now back. Those who answer from the unwelcoming side seem to be, for the most part, transplants from a few years ago who seem to think that anyone coming to the area now is just raining on their parade - causing taxes to go up, overcrowding in schools, cookie cutter developments, traffic, etc.

Why so bitter? Didn't you transplant for the same reasons so many others on this thread are doing? Why can't people understand that? Why shouldn't someone else benefit from the same things you have?

[NH2NCMom]

I moved here 5 years ago and haven't found a single "welcoming" person. I am not rich and live in an apartment where I am a minority in the complex. I think the other transplants are just not as welcoming because they haven't been welcomed warmly as you. JMO and my experience.

[nickandy]

Originally Posted by stephz1008

Okay, hopefully this thread doesn't get me labled as a troublemaker, but here goes...

My family and I have made several trips to the Raleigh area, and are currently in the house buying process. In our experience we have come across those that are welcoming us to the area with open arms and those who turn up their noses and complain about transplants hurting the economy and as a result, their lifestyle.

For the most part when asking, those who welcome with open arms are the true Tarheels... born and raised in the area or originally from the area and now back. Those who answer from the unwelcoming side seem to be, for the most part, transplants from a few years ago who seem to think that anyone coming to the area now is just raining on their parade - causing taxes to go up, overcrowding in schools, cookie cutter developments, traffic, etc.

Why so bitter? Didn't you transplant for the same reasons so many others on this thread are doing? Why can't people understand that? Why shouldn't someone else benefit from the same things you have?

You nailed it!. That is exactly the same way I feel. Not only in Raleigh area but the same I felt when I moved to boston years and years ago. I think the "natives" (no offense) are used to people moving in and welcome the newer people as it diversifies them (in many ways). The transplants are afraid that we are completing against them. In a sense they thought they found something, only they were smart enough to find, and no one else can. It is a factor of differentiation.

[MrsSteel]

Wow, Steph, that's really fascinating.

It sounds like your experience is much different than mine. In the 2 years I've lived here, no one has ever told me that I am unwelcome or that I should go back to where I came from. I have made friends with a couple locals and they've mentioned their dissatisfaction in some of the changes they've seen in the area, but they have never ever said anything in any way that implied that I am unwelcome and should go back "home".

[WorkingMomof2]

Originally Posted by MrsSteel

Wow, Steph, that's really fascinating.

It sounds like your experience is much different than mine. In the 2 years I've lived here, no one has ever told me that I am unwelcome or that I should go back to where I came from. I have made friends with a couple locals and they've mentioned their dissatisfaction in some of the changes they've seen in the area, but they have never ever said anything in any way that implied that I am unwelcome and should go back "home".

I've had the same experience as MrsSteel. However, if you've experienced the opposite, it sounds like the same mentality that people have when they think that their family members should have been the last people allowed to immigrate to America and now the doors should be shut.

[stephz1008]

Originally Posted by MrsSteel

Wow, Steph, that's really fascinating.

It sounds like your experience is much different than mine. In the 2 years I've lived here, no one has ever told me that I am unwelcome or that I should go back to where I came from. I have made friends with a couple locals and they've mentioned their dissatisfaction in some of the changes they've seen in the area, but they have never ever said anything in any way that implied that I am unwelcome and should go back "home".

That is exactly what I am saying, the "locals" while they may voice their concerns, are nothing but "truly southern" in their gracious and welcoming attitudes. Yet I have met in person and on this board, several transplants who seem to think the more of us "northerners" or "transplants" that come down, the worse the area gets.

[Janecj]

I have to agree with MrsSteel. I moved here in 1991 and never had anyone make comments like you stated. I find the people are very respectful, helpful and interested in what you have to say. I have noticed that the natives don't like the attitude from relocaters that say things such as.. where I came from we did it this way... Just remember this: When in Rome do like the Romans. I also think it takes a couple years to feel more connected to the area as well. Just an opinion.

[ncitgal]

I have to agree with MrsSteel, I have never felt any animosity from anyone here...newcomer or native. I work with many native NC folks and they are as nice as can be...they do tease, but thats it. And our neighborhood is full of transplants, which have been so welcoming...like they know what its like to be in our shoes. I always pass on the favor to the new transplants after me. I think it might have alot to do with where you live and/or work...some places are just more clique-y than others.

[stephz1008]

It just seems to me, in my experience that the true locals are more of the "grin and bear it" variety when it comes to newcomers, whereas the transplants are more of the as one person mentioned the type that feel

that their family members should have been the last people allowed to immigrate to America and now the doors should be shut.

I have experienced this both in person and moreso on this board.

[MAtoNC!]

The natives and transplants have been welcoming to me. The teachers and director at my daughter's preschool are natives. They are friendly and nuturing with the children. The director's own children attended the preschool. I love the community feel and we are blending right in. I've met many Northeners that are just as friendly. I figured the natives rubbed off on them. LOL! I've many people from NY and NJ that are stereotyped as rude, loud and a hurry. I think NC calmed them right down